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| Bob's wing is healing and he's almost ready to go home. (Michael Bupp/The Sentinel) |
Back To The Wild
A red-tailed hawk that survived surgery to remove an arrow last month could be free in another three weeks.
"He is a very tough bird" and
has made a "determined recovery," says raptor rehabilitator Wendy Looker, who
has cared for the hawk at her Dillsburg facility, Rehabitat, since May 13 surgery by
veterinarian Kathy Purcell at Boiling Springs Animal Hospital.
"Bob," named for Mt. Joy falconer Bob Leonard, who supplied the trap that
finally captured him, returned from surgery to an 8x8x16-foot outdoor cage.
Looker released him earlier this week to a 100-foot flight cage among other hawks and
owls.
"My concern is for his landing, perching, and prey-grabbing ability," Looker
says. The larger enclosure will allow more exercise in preparation for the release.
Bob favors the right side of his body, Looker says, where an approximately 18-inch
aluminum crossbow bolt pierced muscles above the thigh. But the bird did not develop
infection, flies "reasonably" well and has eaten well and consistently.
Early release
The summer release is earlier than anticipated at the time of
the surgery. Hopes are that Bob, whose barred rather than red tail indicates he is a
yearling, could attract a mate this season and "set up nest-keeping."
As a tenacious and opportunistic hunter, who killed and fed after he was wounded,
"his are genes that we would like to see contributing to the wild pool," she
adds.
Release is anticipated at the site where he was captured - York International facilities
near the Codorus Creek.
The danger of the shooter harming the hawk again is minimal because "it's such a high
profile case right now," Looker says, adding Bob "knows that territory, he's
been very successful in that territory."
"We don't want to dump him somewhere he's got to compete for a territory. That's his
territory."
In the time since his capture, another bird is not likely to have moved into that area,
she says.
Still looking for shooter
Wildlife Conservation Officer Chad Eyler concurs: "That's best thing for that hawk.
I'm going to let Wendy use her judgment on that. She's the one who has done multiple
releases to my few."
Game commission investigators are waiting for someone to come forward with information and
for results of finger printing tests on the arrow from a federal forensics lab in Oregon.
"We followed up on a couple leads that didn't really pan out," Eyler says, but
"we're not in the discouraged mode yet because it's not odd for information to come
in weeks, six months, or a year later."
A reward offered by York County Crimestoppers could motivate someone to come forward, he
added.
No decision has been made on whether state or federal charges would be filed, Eyler says.
Looker and Eyler hope that Bob's plight will benefit other raptors, which often become
trapped in warehouses.
FYI
A reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the shooting of a
red-tailed hawk last month in York County.
Identity of the informants can be kept confidential.
Call Rehabitat at 432-9483 or the state Game Commission at 1-877-877-9470.
Presentation planned
A raptor trap like the one loaned for Bob's capture is estimated to cost $300, which the
nonprofit organization cannot afford.
"Rehabitat depends on donations and memberships. Despite having no paid staff, our
annual budget is over $35,000, consumed mostly by insurance, utility, publishing, medical
and vehicle expenses," says Wendy Looker.
Donations may be made at a presentation from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at Knisely's Pet and
Farm Center, 1025 Ritner Highway, Carlisle.
Contributions of supplies also are welcome. Rehabitat needs postage stamps; bleach;
rubber-backed rugs; large towels, which need not be new; floor cleaning products; brooms;
heavy duty hose; and spray nozzles.
Tax-deductible donations also may be mailed to: Rehabitat, P.O. Box 81, Dillsburg, PA
17019.